Characterization of Particulate Organic via Combined Thermal Desorption Aerosol Gas Chromatography and Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (TAG-AMS)

Aerosol particles have important impacts on visibility, acid deposition, climate, and human health. A large fraction of the anthropogenic aerosol is generated from energy-related activities, and organic compounds are known to constitute a significant fraction of ambient aerosol mass in many locations. Of this organic aerosol mass, only a small fraction has been compositionally resolved, and much of the organic aerosol mass remains uncharacterized. Particularly lacking are real-time, quantitative instruments for the identification, speciation, and source apportionment of organic-containing aerosols. An innovative thermal desorption, time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer has been developed to fill a critical need for size-resolved, quantitative chemical composition data on aerosol particles. This project will integrate this instrument with a technology that provides chemical identification of individual organic constituents in aerosol particles. The combined instrument will provide detailed chemical information that will enable source apportionment, as well as improved modeling of aerosol transport and fate. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The instrument should be ideally suited for the characterization and control of aerosol emissions from a variety of industrial and energy production processes, including semiconductor manufacturing, gas turbines, fluidized bed combustors, diesel combustors, and conventional furnaces. The primary market is expected to be atmospheric research groups at universities and national laboratories. In addition, the technology should benefit the atmospheric science and the environmental pollution research and development communities.